Right now it’s hard to think of anything else but Summer time in Alaska and the land of the midnight sun but the holiday season will be here before we know it! This year, Alaskan companies are starting early and investing more energy into planning a larger holiday celebration than years past. Holiday parties are a tradition of sharing warmth and spreading happiness—both of which are needed now more than ever. But they don’t just happen—they take careful holiday party planning. Ahead, we’ll walk through all the steps for planning and executing a fun, festive fete.
When should you host a holiday party?
Dates are booking up fast! Look at your internal company calendar and reach out to Toast of the Town to start searching for venue availability. Early December is typically more doable, especially for company celebrations, as the final weeks tend to be reserved for family time. We find that Thursdays work well for cocktail receptions or if you want a more formal seated meal, we recommend you host your big holiday party on a Friday or Saturday night to make sure people have time to recover. Try and secure your venue no later than August to confirm your date.
Find your dream holiday party theme
A theme sets the tone for the entire event. Whether ‘Winter Wonderland,’ ‘Apres ski party,’ or ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater,’ try to settle on one prior to help influence the design of the party and invitations so that guests know what to expect and how to dress. Looking for holiday party inspiration? Reach out to Toast of the Town to help create design boards! Check out some on our pinterest page.
What to do at a holiday party
It never hurts to have some methods for merry-making up your sequined sleeve, especially if they suit the night’s theme. Here are ways to keep your employees having fun at your Christmas party.
Exchange holiday gifts. ‘Tis the season for giving, after all. Organize a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange, so everyone leaves with a treasured trinket (or at least a laugh).
Incorporate a charitable cause. Holiday parties are a perfect time to give back since people are in a giving mood. Consider holding a toy drive, collecting canned goods, or adopting a family for the holiday season. This is a great reminder of what’s really important this time of year.
Pose at the holiday photo booth. Help guests and parties come alive by providing heaps of fun and memories to share. A simple photo can remind a person how awesome and fun they are when they are around other cool people. Book with Photo Emporium before September 15th and get a discount! They offer dozens of backdrops and props that you can use for your perfect holiday party. Includes props and themes familiar to New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and many more.
Sing karaoke or Christmas carols. Christmas Carol-oke anyone? Capitalize on the familiarity of holiday tunes with a holly jolly singalong.
Crafty craft cocktails. Set up a bar and hire a mixologist to teach guests craft their own drinks. Organize mixers, tinctures, spirits, and herbaceous ingredients like rosemary, mint, sage, basil, cilantro, and thyme. The bartender can provide a list of suggested recipe cards and festive glassware too!
Have a hot cocoa bar. Set up a spread of toppings (marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, and spices) for revelers to make their hot chocolate. If it’s an adults-only event, add a selection of liqueurs for spiking.
Don’t forget about adding in some fun entertainment!
Watch Santa’s Workshop Come Alive in a Giant Snow Globe. Bring the magic of the holiday season straight to your event with a Giant Snow Globe from the North Pole! Complete with Santa and elves working away in preparation for Christmas. This larger than life entertainment will get any grinch excited for the season!
Extraordinary Performances. Toast of the Town can provide the best in holiday entertainment. We work with professional singers and dancers to create a magical ambiance at your holiday party, sit-down dinner, or another type of event. Our singers and dancers can provide their set-list (with your approval, of course), or you can hand-pick selections for them to sing based on your audience.
Big Laughs, Big Time. We offer a full roster of hilarious, engaging and entertaining comedians that are sure to bring the element of fun to your next holiday party. Comedians are an excellent source of entertainment for a wide variety of crowds.
